Pattern and prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among market women in South-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Abnormal body mass index (BMI) is known to result in serious health consequences. Objective: The present study aimed at determining the pattern and prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity among market women at Ile-Ife. Methods: The participants had their weight and height recorded by standardised techniques, and BMI was calculated from the weight and height. BMI was classified according to the World Health Organization criteria. The average income per day (AIPD) for each participant was estimated as the average sum of daily profit earned on goods and services. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: Nine hundred and three market women participated in the present study. The age range was 18–95 years with 41.7% between 18 and 40 years, 43.0% between 41 and 64 years and 15.3% were 65 years and above. The mean of age and BMI of the participants were 46.3 (15.1) years and 28.5 (5.4) kg/m2, respectively. Only 23.3% of the women had normal BMI. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 1.7%, 38.5% and 36.5%, respectively. The distribution of overweight and obesity among age groups 18–40 years, 41–64 years and 65 years and above was 40.6% and 30.2%; 38.7% and 41.7% and 32.6% and 39.1%, respectively. There was a significant association (χ2 = 7.177, P = 0.028) between AIPD and BMI classes. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of abnormal BMI among market women in Ile-Ife. Overweight and obesity constitute a major health burden among market women.